Shoe.



J. KRUGKEWITT.

SHOE.

APPLICATION FILED alarm. 20, 1909.

968,571 Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN KRUCKEWITT, 0F PITTSCBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

SHOE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN KRUOKEWITT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shoes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention consists of an improvement in boots or shoes having for its object to provide a shoe which may be adjusted to the instep of the wearer by inner separately laced uppers within a considerable range, having a covering tongue and upper side portions of the Blucher type, so constructed as to be laced by a single lace, as more fully hereinafter described.

The shoe is particularly designed for ease and comfort, relieving binding pressure on corns, bunions, etc., its expansibility and contraction not affecting the exterior appearance, while also affording a water-tight construction.

In the drawings :Figure l is a perspective view of the shoe with the parts in position ready to lace the outer upper sides. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the outer tongue withdrawn and exposing the inner adjustable uppers and tongue.

The shoe is generally of the well known Blucher type, having the side uppers 2, 2, provided with the usual lacing holes and hooks, the central portion of the foot upper 3 being centrally divided as shown at a for a. considerable distance toward the toe, sufficient to permit of ample range of tightening and loosening by the laces engaging holes 5, 5, along each inner edge of the divided upper.

6 is an inner tongue, laid underneath the divided upper portions 3 and secured at its inner end or at one of the sides as desired to the portion 8, for the purpose of crossing the variable space between said portions. The entire toe portion 7 of the shoe is composed of the lower widened end of an outer tongue 8, stitched to the main upper at each side as at 9, 9, for a distance backwardly to the point about where the forward diversion between the uppers 3 terminates, more or less. If desired, the stitching may be continued along one side of the tongue for the full length of one of the side uppers 3, the other side being left unconnected, there- Specifieation of Letters Patent.

Application filed September 20, 1909.

Patented Aug. 30, 1910. Serial No. 518,585.

by insuring ample opportunity for the de sired range of adjustment.

As shown, the inner uppers 3 are laced together by the middle portion of the lace l0 engaging all of the holes 5 in the ordinary manner, the laces being then passed through holes 11, 11, in tongue 8 at points corresponding to the position of the last pair of holes in the inner upper sides 3, when the tongue is laid back, as in Fig. 1. Thereafter the laces are passed through the lowermost holes 12, 12, of the ordinary Blucher uppers, which are then laced in the usual manner.

By this construction great latitude as to size of instep and width of foot is provided, allowing the shoe to be worn very loose or comparatively tight, allowing for ample ventilation by wearing the shoe sufficiently loose, while the covering tongue '8 entirely conceals the adjustable portions, providing aneat attractive article. The toe structure also possesses a striking and novel appearance, distinguishing the shoe by its shape.

The advantages of looseness and comfort with the accompanying neatness and style will be appreciated by all users of shoes, especially those having sensitive feet, and it will be found to provide the advantages described in a satisfying manner.

What I claim is In a shoe, the combination with the sole and heel portions, of a front upper portion terminating in inner divided upper termi nals having lacing holes along their adjacent edges, an inner tongue laid underneath said upper terminals and secured thereto to admit of lateral adjustment to cross the variable space between said portions, an outermost toe portion provided with a tongue terminal adapted to be laid over the inner upper terminals and having lacing holes, a rear unoer portion terminating in outer divided upper terminals having lacing holes along their adjacent edges, and lacing strings engaging the holes of the inner upper terminals, the tongue, and the outer upper terminals, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN KRUGKEWITT.

Witnesses:

C. M. CLARKE, CHAS. S. LEPLEY. 

